We are very fortunate to live in the State of Florida simply because it has so much to offer. Florida is an endless adventure of learning and exploring. I love raising our kids here due to the numerous activities and events that take place not only in our immediate area but all across the state.

Nature Walks. Our family enjoys being outdoors and going to local parks. This is a low cost activity to do as a family. Kids love to discover new things while hiking on nature trails and as a parent it is fun to educate them on the different types of trees, insects, animals, etc. that we encounter while on these hikes. Pack a picnic lunch and give your kids time to talk about what they saw while on their new adventures. It’s fun and sometimes comical to hear about your experiences from a child’s perspective.

Things to Know Before You Go

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Also, reapply often. Even on a cloudy day you can get sunburned.

Bug spray. The heat and humidity of Florida is a breeding ground for Mosquitos and No-see-ums. Remember to use DEET FREE bug spray for kids.

Wear comfy walking shoes.

Bring along a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your hike.

The Real Florida Passport. For a small fee you can order this book which is actually a passport for Florida State Parks. When visiting the parks in this book, you can get your “passport” stamped. The kids will enjoy collecting these stamps. You can find passport books at most ranger stations, park entrances or by mail. Please note that not all of the parks give out stamps. If you have a smart phone you can download the Florida State Parks Guide App.

Beach. Our family loves going to the beach. The beach is one big playground for kids. Fishing, swimming, surfing, seashell hunting, making sand angels, flying kites, building sandcastles, and feeding the seagulls are just a few of the many activities your family may enjoy while at the beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. So many times we get to the beach and see families applying sunscreen when they arrive. It takes sunscreen 15 minutes to absorb and become effective prior to sun exposure so it’s important to apply before you go. Also, reapply often. Even on a cloudy day you can get sunburned.

Bring a beach umbrella. The sun can be very powerful during the summer so it’s a good idea to have shade available for the kids if needed.

Stay hydrated. A day of running, playing and sweating on the beach can quickly dehydrate kids. Make sure to bring plenty of drinks for the family.

Baby Powder. This is the magical sand remover. If you go to the beach in an area that doesn’t have a shower or foot rinse, apply baby powder to help remove sand before getting in your vehicle.

Things to Know Before You Go:

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. So many times we get to the beach and see families applying sunscreen when they arrive. It takes sunscreen 15 minutes to absorb and become effective prior to sun exposure so it’s important to apply before you go! Also, reapply often. Even on a cloudy day you can get sunburned.

Alexander Springs has grills in the park so pack a cooler and bring food to grill out.

Blue Springs has concession stands where you can buy food, snacks and drinks. They have a playground and also offer Segway rentals, kayak rentals and boat eco-tours.

The National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit while in Homosassa. Since we were on the west coast of the state we decided to make a weekend out of it. Our most memorable activity while in Citrus County was swimming with the manatees. Highly recommend!!

Wekiwa Springs has a “camp store” that sells drinks and snacks. They also offer kayak and canoe rental. We’ve rented a canoe on two different occasions. It is fun to navigate through the waterways and see the wildlife – baby gators, otters, fish, birds, etc.

DeLeon Springs has a pancake house that is so much fun for the kids. Each table has a grill in which you make your own pancakes. If you are going on the weekend I highly recommend getting there early otherwise you will have to wait for a table. If you go during the summer by mid-morning it gets very hot inside due to the number of grills and the outside temperature.

Exploring the Florida outdoors is just one way to enjoy family time and create memories. I look forward to our next Florida outdoor adventure!

Editor’s Notes: We would like to thank Sara for her great guest post! Sara is the founder of FlaglerCountyFamilyFun.com. We have been following her blog for quite some time as she is just a county over from the Frugal Florida Fun headquarters! She focuses on events in Flagler County, but often branches out to surrounding areas to let her readers know about all sorts of family friendly events, festivals, and things to do! Take some time to checkout her website and her social media outlets below: